'.( ) In section 182 of the 1996 Act (guidance by the Secretary of State) after subsection (2) there is inserted

"(3) Without prejudice to subsection (1) of this section, a local housing authority or social services authority shall exercise their functions relating to homelessness and the prevention of homelessness in accordance with such directions as may be given to them under this section by the Secretary of State.

(4) Directions under this section

(a) shall be given in writing; and

(b) may be given to a particular authority, or to authorities of a particular class, or to authorities generally.".'.

Provision of advice and assistance

Mr Don Foster
Mr Tom Brake

NC12

To move the following Clause:

'( ).(1) The Secretary of State may by order specify matters to be taken into account in providing (or securing the provision of) advice and assistance under sections 190(2)(b) and (3), 192(2) and 195(5) of the 1996 Act, and make provision as to the procedure to be followed in the provision of that advice and assistance.

(2) Before making such an order the Secretary of State shall consult with such associations representing relevant authorities, and other persons as he considers appropriate.

(3) No such order shall be made unless a draft of it has been approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.'.

'. The Secretary of State may by regulations bring Schedule (Energy efficiency reports) into effect within twelve months of the passing of this Act if in his judgement it would assist, or provide information relevant to, the marketing of residential properties in England and Wales.'.

Persons with priority need

Mr Simon Hughes

NC17

*To move the following Clause:

'.( ) In section 193 of the 1996 Act (entry to persons with priority need who are not homeless intentionally) after subsection (7) there is inserted

"(7A) An offer of accommodation under Part VI is a first offer for the purposes of subsection (7) if made in writing, states that it is a first offer for the purposes of subsection (7) and states that the offer shall remain available for five working days from the date of the offer or such longer period if the authority consider reasonable and shall include an opportunity for the person receiving the offer and an independent adviser to inspect the property.".'.

Independent review

Mr Simon Hughes

NC18

*To move the following Clause:

'.( ) If a local housing authority decides that an applicant for housing accommodation is ineligible by virtue of subsections (3) and (5) of section 160A for an allocation by them, they shall inform him of his right to request and receive an independent review of the decision and of the time within which such a request must be made.'.

Whether it is reasonable to continue to occupy accommodation (No. 2)

Mr Simon Hughes

NC19

*To move the following Clause:

'( ).(1) Section 177 (whether it is reasonable to continue to occupy accommodation) of the 1996 Act is amended as follows.

(2) After subsection (1) there is inserted

"(1A) It is not reasonable for a person to continue to occupy accommodation if it is probable that this will lead to violence on racial or other grounds against him, or against

(a) a person who normally resides with him as a member of his family, or

(b) any other person who might reasonably be expected to reside with him.

For this purpose "violence on racial grounds" in relation to a person, means violence from another person by reason of a person's race, nationality or ethnic or national origins, or threats of violence from such a person which are likely to be carried out.".'.

Mr Secretary Prescott

28

*Page 2, line 3 [Clause 1], leave out 'a freehold interest or a long leasehold interest in the property' and insert 'the freehold interest or the interest under a long lease'.